Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

The Ontario Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF) is a discretionary, non-entitlement funding program to help companies in their efforts to commercialize innovative technologies in Ontario.

• The Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF) focuses on the commercialization and initial technical demonstration of innovative Green technologies, processes and/or products.
• Funding will be available for new and emerging technologies, with a focus on bio-products, hydrogen, environmental and alternative energy technologies, as well as other globally significant technologies.
• The funding is to be used for technology demonstration activities at the pilot stage of development.

Who May Apply
Ontario Companies with Eligible Projects that will be undertaken in Ontario, and where the project will result in full scale commercialization in Ontario may apply. Applicants must demonstrate how:

• The proposed technology demonstration at the pilot stage will provide a competitive advantage for Ontario or other significant benefits.
• The proposed technology has been tested and proven to be viable, and can provide sufficient data to warrant a pilot scale project.
• Following a successful pilot, the technology product or process will be moved into the global market.
• The technology, product or process is best in class and will lead to a globally competitive business and market opportunity.

• If approved, the Province will reimburse 50% of the Eligible Costs from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $4,000,000 per project total. The Applicant is required to fund the other 50% of Project Costs.
• Financial assistance may be in the following forms:
  • Secured Forgivable Loan;
  • Secured Repayable Loans;
  • Secured Incentive Term Loans;
  • Royalty Agreements; or
  • Equity participation.

• Proposals can be submitted on an ongoing basis.
• Applicants must submit a completed application form and business plan.
• Rigorous due diligence will be undertaken to assess the applicant's business case as well as the applicant's technological, managerial and financial ability to achieve the stated objectives of the program and the project.
• The Ministry shall determine the funding mechanism and the precise terms relating thereto including the degree of forgiveness in any loan structure and taking into account various factors which include but are not limited to:

  	a.	The extent to which the Ontario contribution maximizes the likelihood of success for the project;
  	b.	Stage of the company (i.e. start-up, small or medium sized enterprise, large company);
  	c.	The extent to which the Project meets the goals of the IDF;
  	d.	Ministry investment required to complete the project; and
  	e.	Likelihood of project and business success.

To download the Ontario Innovation Demonstration Fund Program Guidelines, Application Form and Business Plan Guide click here.

Commercialization, Research and Development, Financing

Innovation Demonstration Fund
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Commercialization Branch
11th Floor, 56 Wellesley Street West
Toronto ON M7A 2E7
Tel: (416) 326-0841
Fax: (416) 314-0680
Email: idf@ontario.ca
Website: http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/idf/guidelines.asp

January 2010/AW